Scouting For The End Of The Season

Word has it that this area was a great go-to spots for turkey so we decided to investigate.  We only had this morning to check it out so we woke up early and headed south.  When we arrived we overshot our destination, and after some backtracking we managed to find the trail.  It quickly lead us to a small meadow but not the meadow we were looking for.  After some serious bushwhacking we managed climb over a hill to give us a look of our destination.  Without any game trails in sight nor any easy way to the field we decided to forgo more bushwhacking and look for another meadow.  Other than some old scat we found no signs of turkey despite the overall birdiness of this place.  Though this may be due to the fact that the recent rains most likely washed away any sign.    Next weekend is my last shot to try and bag one of these birds this season, so we have some decisions to make on where we want to hunt.

The Beeman RX is running out of time for a her first Turkey.  After this year she will unlikely be used as nontox .20 cal is almost nonexistent.   Even if it did exist this gun is very pellet sensitive so there is little chance of it shooting it well.

One of many fresh deer tracks of the day.

Looks like a predator kill.  Most likely a turkey that met its fate.

More deer tracks.

A flower, the name escapes me now, with medicinal properties. *EDIT* The plant is Yarrow

A Red Tail giving us an aerial display. 

Lunch at Roberto's.  California Burrito...

and a cheese quesadilla.

Last Day. Strutting Their Stuff On Private Property

With the valley now all to ourselves, Chul and I awoke early and made our way to the meadow we heard the Tom.  Unlike the previous night I actually had a great night's sleep.  Thankfully as we had quite a hike ahead of us to get out of here.  We slept in our hunting clothes so we were ready to go and geared up light.  Bypassing breakfast we headed to the meadow as quietly as possible.

 

When we arrived to our decoys we hid behind our natural blinds, I set up my shooting monopod and laid my Beeman RX on it as Chul made calls.  But this time the calls though went unreciprocated.  Waiting we eventually gave up and started to head toward another meadow.  Dead leaves litter this area and there was absolutely no way of making a quiet stalk.  We hid in the outer edges of the meadow behind several oak trees and random brush.  Only a few lanes gave us a view to the field any attempt to come closer would likely spook anything in that meadow.  Chul had a greater field of view from his spot.  My view was obstructed so I could not see the buck and a doe feeding on grass.  Since I was the one with the binoculars Chul could only tell me it was a "pretty big" buck.  It eventually passed his viewing lane and disappeared.  At this point we decided it was time to get out of this canyon before the heat arrived. 

It was going to be hot so we wanted to be backpacking in tolerable weather.  We managed to breakdown camp and head out by 7:30ish.  Chul estimated a 2 hour hike out and we still needed to find my torn up Lowa boots we cached on Friday.

A stronger hiker than I, Chul managed to be about ten minutes ahead of me and found my boots strapped on his pack and waited until I caught up.  On the way out we ran into this snake which I believe is a California Striped Racer (Chaparral Whipsnake) on the trail trying to sun himself.  By 7:20 we were by the truck, ten minutes earlier than his estimation and just before the temperature began to rise considerably.

On the way home, since we did not see any turkeys on this trip, we decided to drive by the lake to get some food and check out them out on private property.  In on field we saw two hens, in another a lone Jake strutting his stuff.  The field next to the diner had at least seven birds we glassed.  One of them was a monster Tom with a beard that was dragging the ground.

We sat in the enclosed patio area so I could glass the birds while we waited for out food.  I had the heart attack special- country fried steak, scrambled eggs and taters.  I'm sure any calories I used up on the hike was now going to be replenished and some.  For me a gun hunter I only have two weekends left to take Tom this spring season.  I'll see if I can make it back before it closes on me.  As a bow hunter Chul has an additional two weeks.  Hopefully one of us can bag one of these prehistoric looking animals.

Day 2 Looking For Tom

Having tossed and turned all night, I managed only a couple hours sleep when we awoke the camper armed with a shotgun across from us was making his way to the meadow we had scouted the night before.  With that plan canceled we regrouped and decided to see if there was a way above the ridge to the other side where we knew had a meadow interlaced with public and private land.

After several summit attempts we made it about three quarters of the way up before we were stopped in our tracks with an impenetrable wall of thickets.  We would try four or five different game trails only to be met by the same result.  Demoralized we stopped for breakfast and formulated our next plan.

Back when I backpacked more often I tried several freeze dried "backpacking" food and everyone tasted like ass.  I've been reluctant ever since to buy any and bring them with me.  Chul has always told me that Mountain House made the most edible and should stick with those.  I do trust Chul's palate but I was still skeptical.  Mountain House breakfast skillet was on the menu and I will have to say it was much better than I expected. 

We decided to forgo our attempt to summit and headed down back into the meadows.  There by the creek we began to see some sign including this not-too-old track of a big Tom. 

Despite being late in the morning we set up some decoys and hoped for the best.  We made our calls but to no avail.  I was hoping to see the real deal through my scope but I could only put my reticle on the foam version (of course I wouldn't be shooting a hen). 

By late morning it was time to head back to camp and take a siesta.  It was hot and we moved our sleeping pads under a tree for shade and a cat nap until we got hungry.

Laziness and hunger caused me to eat my SpaghettiOs-wannabe without heating it.  I really did not want to clean my cooking mug again.  It was actually quite good cold.  By this time the hunter who camped across from us was back and preparing to head home.  We chatted him up and he gave us the best lead of the trip.  He had not gone to the meadow we wanted to hunt but in another direction.  He was able hear a Tom gobble but not able to make him respond to his calls or  could get him to come in.

We followed his directions and headed to that area.  On the way we found more sign including new tracks and turkey scat from both hens and toms.  Chul gave a hen call and he heard the Tom respond with a gobble.  He set up where we were and Chul set up the decoys.  This ended up our fatal mistake.  Chul later believed he saw the turkey in between the brush while setting up the dekes, thus spooking it away.  At the time he didn't realize it. and we set up our ambush. Moments later Chul called again but it went silent.

We decide to leave this area and save it for the next morning leaving the dekes as they laid.  At this moment it dawned on Chul that he may had been seen by the gobbler.  Looking for other areas we headed toward the meadows we initially wanted to hunt in the morning.  We tried climbing over the hills but they were impenetrable fortresses.

Eventually we found some other meadows and found more evidence of Toms.  It looked like a smaller track than the one we found earlier but nonetheless a good sign.

Exhausted we headed back to camp to rest up for the next day in the hope to meet that Tom that teased both the shotgun hunter and ourselves.

Earlier in the trip I lost my boots as the soles fell apart, now it was Chul's turn to have his gear break.  His GSI spork broke leaving him with no eating utensil.  This piece of shit gear is the worst piece of gear I've ever seen.  I tried to booty fab it by melting it trying fuse it back together but the plastic was having none of that.

Trying to be the Last Boy Scout tried fabricating his own spoon.  One of Marines' mountain survival school tests is to make wooden spoon, I could say neither Chul nor I would have passed. 

For dinner I brought along Mountain House Pasta Primavera and Chul brought Beef Stroganoff.  Both were half way decent and pretty good for backpacking food.  One suggestion Chul gave me though was to not follow the manufacture's direction and add less water.  I loaded mine with one and three quarter cups of boiling water (directions say two cups) and it was still too runny.  Not long after our meal it was time for bed and I slept much better this night.

Day 1 Turkey Airgun Hunt

When scouting some areas a couple weeks earlier, Chul received some insider info from a guide he met out there on that trip.  On the weekend we decided to check it out.  The trip would require us to backpack it in.  I'd use my Beeman RX airgun and he would use his Abbott Longbow.  While on that scouting trip Chul also was given some info that the area held trout so we packed our flyrods in case the hunting was slow.

We arrived late morning on Friday and headed down the mountain.  I'd be humping about thirty pounds on my back in addition to my airgun which is probably about 11 pounds.  Going down shouldn't be a problem but coming back was going to be a chore.

Within a quarter of a mile of the trip, the sole of my right Lowa boot came apart. I haven't worn these boots in over a decade as I rarely backpack anymore.  Soles nowadays are rarely stitched on but rather glued, it has always been my concern that these glues will eventually deteriorate.  Of course it will always happen in the most inopportune time.  I tried to figure out how to booty fab a repair but without any duct tape or glue or anything I decided to just rip them off and see if I could continue.  After a few more steps my left sole came apart.  As we thought there'd be trout in the water we packed in Teva river shoes and Chul graciously offered me his boots (luckily we wear the same size) and he would wear the Tevas since he is used to hiking and backpacking with them when he goes into the Kern.  This helped me big time.

After descending about 1000 feet we made it into the valley.  We checked the water and it was green an low.  Other than frogs we saw no fish.  After resting a while we dropped the pack and scouted the area around the water for both turkey and trout. 

We saw no fish but heard one lone hen calling in the distance over the other ridge.  The water at one point may have held fish and it still might but we saw no sign of trout this trip.  Such a same both Chul and I figure fishing could have been our fallback if the hunting sucked.

The wild flowers are in bloom now and Chul pointed out each variety to me.  It's nice to have this knowledge in the field with you as it makes the outdoor experience more holistic.  Though it's a shame I can barely remember any of the names of them.  I do remember the important stuff like plants that counteract poison oak.  We headed pack and looked for a camping spot.  Once we found our basecamp we went about looking for more meadows to hunt tomorrow morning.

We headed back to camp to prepare dinner.  On the menu mac and cheese with salame.  We hit the sack early, Chul passed out within minutes.  I'd be stuck hearing him snore all night.  I was awaken around 10pm when another group of hunters rolled in and set up camp across from us.

Not Like It Used To Be

The Salamander Fly (now tied with braided chenille) got a lot of looks but just was only pushed off beds without any takes.

Yesterday we fished Mission Viejo.  Most bass at MVL are off their beds with only small fish remaining.  Water color is Hulk green and visibility is about ten feet.  After speaking with a few bass fishermen their experiences haven been like ours and can be explained with one word.  Lousy.  The dock attendants have let us know that mortality has been high for the big bass.  We only saw one big bass that was off her bed and was cruising.  The lake has changed that I have no interest in returning anytime this year.  I got a lot of looks and chases but no takes.  Chul managed a trout sized juvenile on my 3 weight.

Lowa Hunter Extreme Gore-Tex Hunting Boots

Heads up hunters in need of new boots, STP has discontinued Lowa Extreme Gore-Tex Hunting Boots on sale right now for $295.95.  With all the coupons floating around you can reduce that amount an additional 35% as I did.

The Hunter Extreme have been discontinued for a new upgraded "EVO" model and if you can live with the last generation of boot than you can get a quality boot for a steal.  Designed as a high mountain boot, it's listed on STP as nine inches tall (though I think its higher, I've not checked to confirm though).  Leather is water repellant Nubuck leather.  A protective rubber rand secures the boot to the sole.

Unstable, rugged rocky terrain should be no problem.  Outsoles are Vibram Tsavo and has a polyurethane shock-absorbing midsole for excellent grip on multiple surfaces.

Lined with Gore-Tex and 200 gram insulation of Primaloft makes this boot both breathable and warm.  High Sierra winters should be no problem and I intend on using these boots late season.   

These Lowas are made in Germany.

The Lowas side by side with my prized Meindl Dovre Extreme GTX.  The Lowa is  similarly styled and should serve as a great cold weather back up to my Meindls.  Too bad I have to wait til next season to try them out.

Beeman RX (HW90)

Growing up I shot rifles but much of my youth was spent shooting adult airguns.  Back then in eighty's America, adult airgunning was still in its infancy.  Many Americans still regarded pellet guns as toys.  A few in the know knew better though.  One of those was my old man who in the seventies started collecting several sporter airguns and had me shooting them at a very young age.  My father subscribed to several airgun periodicals from both domestic and foreign (UK).  I spent many hours reading and rereading those articles particularly the hunting articles from "The Hunter" John Darling.  By my high school years my father had given me one out of his collection, his FWB 124.  I have many fond memories with that classic springer being one of the first guns to reach "magnum" levels.

By the time I was in University, I picked up my own gun, a Beeman RX (HW 90) in .20 caliber.  This rifle was the next evolution of spring airguns.  Powered with a Theoben gas ram, it was different from the guns my father brought me up with that were powered with traditional springs.  The RX is designed for hunting, the gas ram, unlike springs it can be left cocked indefinitely without worry of spring set. 

I've neglected airguns since leaving University.  Until just recently my interest in pellet guns has rekindled.  I've been browsing youtube and the internet regarding airgunning and it seems springers have gone out of favor.  Now most seem to shoot precharge pneumatics (PCP) for hunting.  Slow to follow trends I may one day join the PCP fan club but for now I'll settle for these sporters.

Implementation of the statewide lead ammo ban will be going into effect next year so I intend to take this gun out and try my luck at some spring gobblers before I can't hunt with this gun as nontox pellets are generally unavailable (at least in .20).  We'll see if I ever make it to a hunt but that's at least the plan for now.

Hiking With A Fly Rod

Fearing yesterday's earthquake dislodged a few boulders along the road to a difficult to access local watering hole, we changed our plans to fish another local watershed we've not fished as of yet.  The Southland's drought has been cruel to our local resident wild trout.  This watershed was no different.  I was unable to make any fish rise and only saw a couple fish.  Chul only fared a tad bit better, making three fish rise but missing everyone.

Water conditions have been rough and although we had some rain the past couple weeks, it appears it may have been too much too soon.  It appears all the holes have been washed out and despite the water being low it is running incredibly fast with little to no holding water.

Today was a bust.  We checkout two other nearby watering holes and they looked just as bad.  The local wild trout fishing is pretty much over.  It may be years before we see any good fish.  With an El Nino predicted for this summer let's hope the saltwater makes up for it.

Sight Casting To Browns

This weekend we had planned on backpacking into the Kern but with rather less than impressive reports coming out of there we decided to hold off on that trip.  Instead we would stay local and check out how our local resident brown trout were holding up after the last big storm.  The first time I heard of this river was over a decade ago when Bud mentioned it to me back when he was a pro staffer at Marriott's.  Since then I had long forgotten about this water until Chul mentioned it to me when we first started fishing together.  Back then he managed a rather impressive brown and so it peaked my interest again.   We decided to check it out.

Water level was significantly less than the last time Chul fished here.  With the water low and clear the fish were still here and they were spooky and finicky.  Despite the conditions we managed several browns all on dries with the largest fish about eight inches but saw fish in the ten plus range.  While the fish were not as impressive as we had hoped the day was fun spent targeting specific fish testing our accuracy and technical skills.  Given the difficulty reaching this water, it's unlikely I'll be returning anytime soon but at least I can scratch it off my list of local waters fished.

Quality Time On Youtube

Illness has kept me down for the past week or so.  As a result I've been spending much of my time on the web trying to pass the time.  I think I've found my new favorite channel, Shooting Photography by Jonathan M McGee.  Here is just a sampling of his beautifully done videos. 

He has even done the trailer for the reborn John Rigby & Co (now properly located in London once again).